Spartanburg Charter School teacher dies Friday after heart attack

Published: Monday, February 4, 2013 at 6:04 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, February 4, 2013 at 6:04 p.m.

Grief counselors spent the day at Spartanburg Charter School on Monday as students and staff forged through their first school day without beloved teacher George Williamson.

Williamson, 57, died unexpectedly on Friday from what school officials say was likely a heart attack. Emergency personnel descended on the school Friday afternoon after Williamson collapsed in his classroom, just before an afternoon science class. He died a short time later at the hospital.

“He was the consummate gentle giant,” said Spartanburg Charter School Principal John von Rohr. “He's universally admired by anyone he's ever worked with. He was totally dedicated and unselfish and would do anything for any child.”

Von Rohr twice hired Williamson. The two previously worked together at Rocky Mount Preparatory School in Rocky Mount, N.C., and Williamson joined the SCS family just before the current school year.

Von Rohr said that Williamson was always available to his students, whether in the classroom, after school or even on the playground, where he enjoyed turning the jump rope for elementary students. In addition to teaching eighth grade science, Williamson was the school's coordinator for special programs and lent his expertise to the science fair.

Carlie Smith, a director and coordinator at the school, called Williamson a “loving, caring, generous teddy bear.” Her office is beside his, and she missed his cheerful “good morning” on Monday.

“There was always a smile on his face,” Smith said. “I've never seen George in a bad mood.”

Guidance Counselor Shara Jones said students and staff were heartbroken at the news of Williamson's death. Jones arranged for a team of more than 15 counselors to be at the school on Monday.

Jones said that classes are also signing sympathy cards to pass along to Williamson's family. He is survived by a wife, Yasmin, and two daughters, Taylor and Kaja, all of North Carolina.

“We had some (students) that were really distraught about it, but the counselors stepped in and helped us wonderfully,” Jones said. “They were a great help.”

Von Rohr expressed his appreciation to the first responders who tried to save Williamson's life on Friday.

“As principal, I personally witnessed the gut-wrenching, but awe-inspiring efforts all of these dedicated people do everything they could possibly do to save him,” von Rohr said. “While we are all still in shock over the loss of this great man and teacher, it is personally comforting for all of us to know that in a time of need, this community has the ability to respond with such professionalism.”

The school has planned a local memorial service for Williamson on Thursday at Southside Baptist Church at 6 p.m.

<p>Grief counselors spent the day at Spartanburg Charter School on Monday as students and staff forged through their first school day without beloved teacher George Williamson.</p><p>Williamson, 57, died unexpectedly on Friday from what school officials say was likely a heart attack. Emergency personnel descended on the school Friday afternoon after Williamson collapsed in his classroom, just before an afternoon science class. He died a short time later at the hospital.</p><p>“He was the consummate gentle giant,” said Spartanburg Charter School Principal John von Rohr. “He's universally admired by anyone he's ever worked with. He was totally dedicated and unselfish and would do anything for any child.”</p><p>Von Rohr twice hired Williamson. The two previously worked together at Rocky Mount Preparatory School in Rocky Mount, N.C., and Williamson joined the SCS family just before the current school year.</p><p>Von Rohr said that Williamson was always available to his students, whether in the classroom, after school or even on the playground, where he enjoyed turning the jump rope for elementary students. In addition to teaching eighth grade science, Williamson was the school's coordinator for special programs and lent his expertise to the science fair.</p><p>Carlie Smith, a director and coordinator at the school, called Williamson a “loving, caring, generous teddy bear.” Her office is beside his, and she missed his cheerful “good morning” on Monday.</p><p>“There was always a smile on his face,” Smith said. “I've never seen George in a bad mood.”</p><p>Guidance Counselor Shara Jones said students and staff were heartbroken at the news of Williamson's death. Jones arranged for a team of more than 15 counselors to be at the school on Monday.</p><p>Jones said that classes are also signing sympathy cards to pass along to Williamson's family. He is survived by a wife, Yasmin, and two daughters, Taylor and Kaja, all of North Carolina.</p><p>“We had some (students) that were really distraught about it, but the counselors stepped in and helped us wonderfully,” Jones said. “They were a great help.”</p><p>Von Rohr expressed his appreciation to the first responders who tried to save Williamson's life on Friday.</p><p>“As principal, I personally witnessed the gut-wrenching, but awe-inspiring efforts all of these dedicated people do everything they could possibly do to save him,” von Rohr said. “While we are all still in shock over the loss of this great man and teacher, it is personally comforting for all of us to know that in a time of need, this community has the ability to respond with such professionalism.”</p><p>The school has planned a local memorial service for Williamson on Thursday at Southside Baptist Church at 6 p.m.</p>